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CALGARY- Despite warnings of a soggy May long weekend, many brave souls still headed out into Alberta’s backcountry to kick off camping season.

While snow mounds replaced spring shrubs in some areas, hardy Calgarians came prepared.

“You’ve just got to dress for the weather. Have a big fire and you’re fine, put up some big tarps,” one camper suggested.

Fortunately snow didn’t make an appearance this year, but showers did dampen some plans. Many sites at MacLean Creek sat empty over the weekend, despite being reserved in advance.

“The numbers were quite a bit lower than what we usually see over May long weekend,” explains conservation officer Huntley Johnson. “On paper, the campgrounds were full, but I think a lot of people just didn’t end up coming.”

It was a similar scene at Waiparous, where there were less campers than originally registered. That also made it a quiet weekend for enforcement officers, and there were no major accidents or injuries.